After receiving a competitive bid award last year, north Louisiana based Metro Aviation, Inc. has delivered the first new law enforcement equipped Single Pilot IFR (SPIFR) EC135T2+ to the Massachusetts State Police Aviation Section. The comprehensively equipped aircraft was delivered in new “green” condition from the manufacturer to Shreveport, Louisiana where it underwent the extensive completion and systems integration. The aircraft will enter service in May and will the first of its type in a fleet replacement program for the state.
Metro finished the aircraft with an array of law enforcement equipment such as a night vision cockpit and cabin area, gyro stabilized thermal and HD color camera, advanced Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) suite in the cabin area, along with microwave capability to transmit live video images from the aircraft to ground units.
“The EC135 we recently finished for the state of Massachusetts is likely the most well equipped aircraft of its kind in the country and we are proud to have been an integral part of such a impressive airborne law enforcement program”, commented Metro’s director of sales, Jim Kettles. “We designed and integrated all the avionics systems and airframe components to meet the stringent demands of the state police to provide the vital role of protecting and serving the citizens of Massachusetts and the surrounding area,” Kettles went on to say.
About Metro Aviation, Incorporated
Metro Aviation, Inc., based in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States is a worldwide provider of completion services for all missions and types of helicopters and specializes in the EC135 and EC145 with several Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) developed by the company for these and other aircraft. Metro is an FAA approved repair station, approved Eurocopter Service Center and FAR Part 135 air medical operations provider at several locations across the United States